A fourthSpider-Manfilm starringTobey Maguirecould exist in a different and more perfect multiverse. But, in this multiverse, theSam Raimi-directedSpider-Mantrilogy remains just that: a trilogy. To make up for it, a newSpider-Man 4behind-the-scenes image offers a close-up look at what the award-winning actorJohn Malkovich’s actual Vulture costume would have looked like.Details aboutthe canceledSpider-Manfilmpreviously emerged, revealing that Malkovich was set to play a darker version of the inventive, yet lunatic, genius Vulture. Although the image doesn’t show theDangerous Liaisonsactor in the metallic wing costume, comic book writerKen Pendersgave us a closer look at how the iconic villain Vulture might have been portrayed on screen. In a Twitter post, Penders shared that when the supposed production forSpider-Man 4was halted, all the materials were turned over to him and remained with him for 15 years, saying, “Before Tobey & Sam were bid adieu by Sony, work actually had begun on SPIDER-MAN 4, and I visited friends who were working on the Vulture’s costume intended for actor John Malkovich. Once production shut down, all materials were turned in. I’ve sat on this for almost 15 years.“Raimi’s Vulture costume boasts a metallic wing with a spiky finish, similar toX-Men: Apocalypse’s take on the Angel character. Even though the costume never saw the light of day, fans can now appreciate the artistry and hard work that went into creating the Vulture’s costume thanks to the shared behind-the-scenes image.Related:Andrew Garfield Says Filming ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Felt Like Completing Unfinished BusinessMaguire first appeared as Peter Parker in the 2002 filmSpider-Man, and he later reprised the role in two sequels, including the critically acclaimedSpider-Man 2and the lacklusterSpider-Man 3. Raimi was planning a fourth movie despiteSpider-Man 3’s poor critical and commercial feedback, but Sony ultimately abandoned the idea. Despite the fact that Raimi’s Vulture was not brought to life,Tom Holland’s first outing as Spider-Man inSpider-Man: HomecomingfeaturedMichael Keaton’s version of the maniacal villain. But althoughJon Watts' take on Vulture was well-received, Raimi’s version would have been a lot different and darker, considering he has helmed various films likeThe Evil Dead,Army of Darkness, The Grudge, andDrag Me to Hell. So with the reports saying that his Vulture was supposed to take a darker route, it will come as no small surprise ifSpider-Man 4will more than makeup for the bland feedback the dark Spider-Man received inSpider-Man 3.AlthoughAndrew Garfield(who also played Peter Parker in the twoThe Amazing Spider-Manfilms) and Maguire were unable to complete their respectiveSpider-Manstories, they both joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Holland in 2021’sSpider-Man: No Way Home.Even though the behind-the-scenes image provides a somewhat melancholic feeling knowing that aSpider-Man 4could have been made, you can still appreciate the craftsmanship that went into creating Raimi’s Vulture costume by checking out Pender’s tweet below:
